A football club’s application to change clubhouse opening hours and reclassify its environmental rating is due to before councillors next week.
Saltdean United has applied to have the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) rating for its new clubhouse and 3G artificial pitch amended to “good” rather than “excellent”.
It also want the clubhouse opening hours extended by half an hour from Monday to Thursday, in line with its Friday and Saturday opening hours.
Currently, the hours are restricted to 10.30pm during the week, with a later 11pm closing time on Fridays and Saturdays.
The application is due to go before Brighton and Hove City Council’s Planning Committee next Wednesday (3 December).
The application, submitted by the club’s agent, ECE Planning Limited, said: “The hours currently permitted under this condition are considered unduly restrictive and inconsistent with both the long-standing operation of Saltdean United Football Club and the requirements of a functioning community sports facility.
“The existing clubhouse has been in operation since the 1970s and is subject only to the limitations of its club premises certificate, under which there are no operational curfews beyond the licensed hours for the sale of alcohol.”
The application also said that the “excellent” BREEAM rating was unviable so it was seeking a “very good” rating which would be the level applied for a “minor” development.
The club said: “Owing to the development being delivered by a community organisation, lenience should be afforded on this matter.
“The scheme offers significant community benefit and would otherwise be undeliverable if the requirements for BREEAM ‘excellent’ are upheld.”
The council has received 10 objections and 19 letters of support.
An anonymous objector, whose details were redacted by the council, said: “I recognise the community element the club brings.
“But this must not be used as a rationale or excuse to approve this application which will undoubtably be detrimental to residents living near the ground.
“Being open until 11pm during the week will introduce an unacceptable level of additional disturbances later into the night.”
A supporter, whose details were also redacted, said: “This is clearly a good and well-conceived uplift of a community asset.
“We should encourage enterprises like this that enhance the environment for our children and wider community.”
The committee is due to meet at Hove Town Hall at 2pm next Wednesday (3 December). The meeting is scheduled to be webcast.
I support the residents 100%. The club show no consideration for the locals. These users will leave and return home to their quiet homes but nearby residents cannot move their homes!! The continuation of noise to 11pm is totally unnacceptable to residents AND WILDLIFE. This club have already destroyed over 7000 square metres of grass by laying plastic turf and 100+ tonnes of toxic SBR rubber crumb as a pitch. All in the name of football with NO regard for their surroundings.